Herbs to avoid during pregnancy

I am posting two article from the American Pregnancy Association on herbs. I love herbal tea; however, after ovulations I have been very cautious about drinking herbal tea. I found these two articles put my mind at ease about what herbal teas to drink and not drink.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/naturalherbsvitamins.html

The following herbs are considered Likely UnSafe or Unsafe during pregnancy : ³

·         Saw Palmetto - when used orally, has hormonal activity

·         Goldenseal - when used orally, may cross the placenta

·         Dong Quai - when used orally, due to uterine stimulant and relaxant effects

·         Ephedra - when used orally

·         Yohimbe - when used orally

·         Pay D’ Arco - when used orally in large doses; contraindicated

·         Passion Flower - when used orally

·         Black Cohosh - when used orally in pregnant women who are not at term

·         Blue Cohosh - when used orally; uterine stimulant and can induce labor

·         Roman Chamomile - when used orally in medicinal amounts

·         Pennyroyal - when used orally or topically

Are there any herbs that are recommended in pregnancy?

Depending on what type of health care provider you see, he/she may recommend using herbs to help promote the health of your pregnancy. Remember, never try to self dose or diagnose with any medications, including herbs. Because each pregnancy is different, with its own specific details, the best way to use herbs is under the care of a midwife, physician, herbalist, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor.

Choosing to use herbs during pregnancy is a personal choice, but to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby, you should be well educated on the types of herbs, parts of the herb (root, leaf, etc…) and the way that they could be used (caplet, tonic, tea). The herbs that are considered safe to use during pregnancy are often food or tonic herbs. These often will be found in either tablet form, tea, or infusion form.

Herbs used in Pregnancy

The following herbs have been rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe for use during pregnancy:⁴

·         Red Raspberry Leaf - Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth.⁵ You may see pregnancy teas that are made from red raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy. (Read about herbal teas for more information)

There is some controversy about whether this should be used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester.

·         Peppermint Leaf - Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence

·         Ginger root - Helps relieve nausea and vomiting

·         Slippery Elm Bark - (when the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods) Used to help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations

·         Oats & Oat Straw - Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin

Additional herbs rated Likely Safe or Possibly Safe:

·         Blond Psyllium - when used orally and appropriately

·         Black Psyllium - when used orally with appropriate fluid intake

·         Garlic - when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods

·         Capsicum (Cayenne, hot pepper) - when used topically and appropriately

The following herbs have been rated as having Insufficient Reliable Information Available by the Natural Medicines Database, although many are recommended by homeopathic physicians, herbalists, and midwives who treat pregnant women. More extensive research and discussions with your treating health care provider will help you make the decision about what herbs are safe for you to use.

·         Dandelion - Rich in Vitamin A, calcium, and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver

·         Chamomile (German) - High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints

·         Nettles (Stinging Nettles) - High in vitamins A, C, K , calcium, potassium, and iron. Used in many pregnancy teas because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic. Note on the safety of Nettles: Natural Medicines Database gives Nettles a rating of Likely Unsafe, even though it is used in countless pregnancy teas and recommended by most midwives and herbalists. This may be contingent upon which part of the Nettles plant is used (the root or the leaves) and how much is used. According to other sources, the use of Nettles is encouraged during pregnancy because of its health benefits.⁶

Other popular herbs

The following are commonly used herbs which have a safety rating of Possibly Unsafe when used orally. Again, these are herbs you would want to do more extensive research on and discuss with your health care provider before using.

·         Aloe

·         Ginseng (American & Korean)

·         Evening Primrose

·         Feverfew

·         Kava Kava

·         Senna

LIKELY SAFE:
The product has undergone a rigorous scientific evaluation equivalent to a review by the FDA, Health Canada, or other governmental authority and has been found to be safe when used appropriately. Or reputable references generally agree that the product is safe when used appropriately based on two or more randomized, controlled, clinical trials involving several hundred to several thousand patients and published in refereed journals; or based on large-scale post-marketing surveillance showing a low incidence of significant adverse effects.

POSSIBLY SAFE:
Reputable references agree that the product might be safe when used appropriately, and there are human studies reporting no serious adverse effects.

POSSIBLY UNSAFE:
There is some evidence suggesting that use of the product might be unsafe.

LIKELY UNSAFE:
Reputable references agree that the product can be harmful, based on human studies or reliable case reports of significant adverse effects.

UNSAFE:
The product has undergone a rigorous scientific evaluation or a review by a reliable regulatory agency and found to often cause clinically significant harm to humans. Or large-scale post-marketing surveillance shows a high incidence of significant adverse effects

Drinking Herbal Teas during Pregnancy

From the American Pregnancy Association

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/herbaltea.html

Many alternative medicine health care providers feel that using certain herbal teas during pregnancy is a great way to support optimal pregnancy health. Herbal teas can often provide an additional source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. However, due to the lack of studies on most herbs, the FDA encourages caution when consuming herbal teas.

To understand which herbal teas are safe to consume during pregnancy, let’s first look at the different types of teas and how they are made.

Difference in Teas: Non-herbal and Herbal Teas

There are two different types of teas, non-herbal and herbal. The non-herbal teas can also be broken down into 3 categories: black, green, and oolong.

Non-Herbal Tea

·         Black tea is the most common type of non-herbal tea, including blends such as English breakfast, Earl Grey, and Orange Pekoe. 

·         Green tea has a more delicate taste than black tea; the oolong teas are a combination of green and black tea.

·         Non-herbal teas contain varying amounts of caffeine and antioxidants.

·         Non-herbal teas are made from leaves of tea plants.

·         The longer the oxidation time (fermenting) of the leaf, the higher the caffeine level. 

·         The amount of brewing time and the size and type of tea leaf can also influence how much caffeine is in the tea.

·         Decaf versions of non-herbal teas still contain a bit of caffeine.

Herbal Tea

·         Made from the roots, berries, flowers, seeds, and leaves of a variety of plants—not from actual tea plant leaves.

·         True Herbal teas do not contain caffeine ( this does not include any other drinks called "tea" that truly are not, such as mate tea.)

·         These teas can also be used as “medicinal” remedies. (relating to, or having the properties of medicine)

What teas are safe to consume during pregnancy?

Non-Herbal Teas

Although non-herbal tea is assumed to have great health benefits due to the antioxidants, it also contains caffeine, which pregnant women are often encouraged to eliminate or cut down on during pregnancy.  The average cup of non-herbal tea contains about 40-50 milligrams of caffeine. Decaffeinated non-herbal tea does still contain a bit of caffeine, however the amount is usually only about .4 milligrams.  

Caffeine does cross the placenta and reaches your developing baby, and the baby cannot metabolize caffeine like an adult can. For this reason, there is much controversy on how much caffeine is safe or if it should be avoided altogether. We know that the less caffeine consumed, the better it is for your pregnancy. Talk with your midwife or doctor about what amount you feel is safe for you. This will then help you make the decision on whether to consume non-herbal teas (green or black ).

Herbal teas

Herbal teas are naturally caffeine free, so caffeine is not an issue when consuming this type of tea. The concern with consuming herbal teas during pregnancy is the lack of data available on most herbs and their effects on a developing fetus. There are mixed opinions on the safety of herbal teas, for both pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Most commercial brands of herbal teas are thought to be safe for anyone to consume in reasonable amounts. Herbal tea companies, such as Celestial Seasonings, report that they do not use any herbs that are considered dangerous and choose to use herbs from guidelines that the FDA has published. The herbal teas that are considered to be unsafe are those that are not made commercially, those made with excessive amounts of herbs (amounts larger than those found in common foods or drinks), or those made with herbs that are known to be toxic. As with most things, it is always best to talk with your midwife or doctor about any herbal teas that you are interested in drinking.

Are the herbal teas called “Pregnancy Teas” safe to drink?

There are a number of teas labeled as “Pregnancy Teas” or herbs such as red raspberry leaf that are in teas, that are considered to be good for pregnancy. Many midwives and professionals who work with herbs believe that the regular consumption of these teas may help prevent pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, prolonged labor, and postpartum hemorrhage. 

Medical studies have shown that red raspberry leaf can be consumed safely during pregnancy and can decrease the length of labor and decrease the number of interventions used such as artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), assisted delivery, and cesarean delivery.¹ Red raspberry leaf also seems to help prevent pregnancies from pre-or post-term gestation (delivering too early or too late).

Herbs Used in Teas

The following are common ingredients you may find in herbal teas. Note that some have a questionable safety rating. The safety ratings given here are from the Natural Medicines Database. More extensive research and discussions with your health care provider will help you make the decision about what herbs are safe for you to use in teas.

·         Red Raspberry Leaf (Likely Safe) - Rich in iron, this herb has helped tone the uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains.  Many of the “Pregnancy Teas” commonly contain red raspberry leaf to help promote uterine health during pregnancy.
There is some controversy about whether this should be used throughout pregnancy or just in the second and third trimester, so many health care providers remain cautious and only recommend using it after the first trimester.

·         Peppermint Leaf (Likely Safe) - Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence.

·         Lemon Balm (Likely Safe) - Has a calming effect and helps relieve irritability, insomnia, and anxiety.

·         Ginger root (Possibly Safe) -Helps relieve nausea and vomiting.

·         Dandelion (Insufficient Reliable Information Available) - Rich in Vitamin A, calcium and iron; dandelion root and leaf can also help relieve mild edema and nourish the liver.

·         Chamomile (German) (Insufficient Reliable Information Available) - High in calcium and magnesium, also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints.

·         Nettles (Stinging Nettles) -(Likely Unsafe-see note ) High in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium and iron. Used in many “Pregnancy Teas” because it is a great all-around pregnancy tonic. (*Note on the safety of nettles: Natural Medicines Database gives nettles a rating of Likely Unsafe, even though it is used in countless pregnancy teas and recommended by most midwives and herbalists. This may be in relation to which part of the nettles plant is used, the root or the leaves, and how much is used. According to other sources, the use of nettles is encouraged during pregnancy because of all its health benefits.²)

·         Rose Hips (Insufficient Reliable Information Available) - Very good source of Vitamin C and helps boost the immune system.

·         Alfalfa (Possibly Unsafe) - Has Vitamin A, D, E and K; particularly good in later pregnancy to boost Vitamin K, which helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

·         Yellow Dock (Possibly Unsafe) - Used to help treat anemia in pregnant women due to the high level of iron. Also contains Vitamins A, C and calcium. *(This may also be used as a laxative--talk with your health care provider about the use of yellow dock during pregnancy).

LIKELY SAFE:
The product has undergone a rigorous scientific evaluation equivalent to a review by the FDA, Health Canada, or other governmental authority and has been found to be safe when used appropriately. Or reputable references generally agree that the product is safe when used appropriately based on two or more randomized, controlled, clinical trials involving several hundred to several thousand patients and published in refereed journals; or based on large-scale post-marketing surveillance showing a low incidence of significant adverse effects.

POSSIBLY SAFE:
Reputable references agree that the product might be safe when used appropriately, and there are human studies reporting no serious adverse effects.

POSSIBLY UNSAFE:
There is some evidence suggesting that use of the product might be unsafe.

LIKELY UNSAFE:
Reputable references agree that the product can be harmful, based on human studies or reliable case reports of significant adverse effects.

UNSAFE:
The product has undergone a rigorous scientific evaluation or a review by a reliable regulatory agency and found to often cause clinically significant harm to humans. Or large-scale post-marketing surveillance shows a high incidence of significant adverse effects

Surviving the 2 Week Wait

Whether you have tried to get pregnant without treatment or with drugs, IUI and/or IVF, the part of the cycle that involves waiting to hear the "news" about your cycle may be exhausting. Each day you may be monitoring your body for signs of early pregnancy or for signs that you feel may mean your menstrual bleeding will soon begin. It is like being on a rollercoaster of hope and fear. Consider the following survival tips:

Limit the number of people you tell about your cycle and let them know how you will share the outcome of the cycle. Some couples tell their family and friends, "No news is bad news," to eliminate the need to call them with bad news.

Decide in advance how you will handle questions from those you have told. Sometimes it helps to rehearse your responses.

Decide with your partner how you want to receive the news about the cycle. For example, if you are having a blood test to determine if you are pregnant, decide where and to whom the results should be given. Some women want their husband's to give them the news, whether it is good or bad, versus hearing a message on the answering machine.

Set time aside to talk with your partner about your feelings.

Tell your partner what you will need if the news is not positive. Do you want to be distracted and go out to eat or to a movie, or do you want to be left alone? Do you want to talk about the next steps in treatment or options, or wait a few days? Give your partner specifics on this- he can't read your mind.

Treat yourself by spending time doing the things you enjoy the most: preparing a wonderful meal, taking long walks or curling up and reading a good book.

Protect yourself emotionally. For example, don't plan on going to a dinner party given by a pregnant friend the day you expect to get your pregnancy test results.

Take slow, deep breaths when you are feeling anxious. This basic technique can assist you physiologically, as well as being mentally calming.

Try reframing your thoughts. This is very helpful when you are experiencing negative thoughts or if your thoughts are driving you crazy by alternating between thinking you are or aren't pregnant. For example, the thought "The test will be negative and I'll never be pregnant," may end up as "I am open to the possibility of being pregnant and I'm doing everything I can to make that happen."

From Resolve, national infertility association:

http://www.resolve.org/support-and-services/pregnancy-after-infertility/surviving-the-2-week-wait.html

No Change

I do not have anything new to report today. My fertility monitor still indicates high and my temperature is still low. I am hoping for a Peak Day tomorrow, or I will have to receive a shot.

Passage from Breaking the Jewish Code by Perry Stone:

“Parents should believe that their child (or children) has a purpose and destiny to fulfill in life. David said God knew him, his bodily features, and even numbered his days before he was born (Ps 139:13-16). The barren womb will sing because a voice for the future is developing in the belly of a praying woman.”

Diet

I did do very well on my diet this week, partly because I did not feel well. I am starting over today and I am hoping to stick with it this time. I am currently on weight watchers; however, I try to eat healthy on the plan. Weight Watchers will allow you to eat whatever you want, as long as you stay within your points. Weight Watchers does push for you to choose healthier items, but I take it one step future. In our house we try to eat gluten free and either organic or whole foods (food found in nature and have not been processed into something else). A good rule of thumb, if we know what the ingredients are on the package, it is okay to eat. If we cannot understand or know what the ingredients are on the package food, we do not eat the food. Now I am going to start speaking about the good things I am eating.

Good foods to eat are:

Olive Oil

Unrefined Carbohydrates

High Levels of Fruits and Vegetables (I try to a eat  variety and 9 servings a day)

Protein – fuel for physical cellar development of the placenta and amniotic tissues

Nuts – protein and have folic acid

Dark Greens

Leafy Vegetables

Yellow, Red, and Orange Vegetables

To avoid hungry pains I try to eat 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Fiber helps me stay full long.

Good sources of Folate Rich Foods:

Spinach

Kale

Nuts

Citrus Fruit

Still Waiting for Ovulation - Day 14

We are still waiting for ovulation today (cycle day 14).  Not all women ovulate on day14, this is why you should chart, and use a fertility monitor or OPK (ovulation predictor kit). My fertility monitor said today is a high day, and we are waiting to for a Peak Day to determine if I am going to ovulate on my own. My temperature went up today; however, it is still below my cover line. Most of you may ask what is a cover line and what does that have to do with ovulation? The cover line is very important and I am going to explain the process to you.

Each morning I take my temperature at the same day (within 30 minute time frame), and before I get out of bed. Following these instructions is very crucial to the process, if you want accurate results. If you take your temperature too early, too late, or move too much it can affect your temperature. I have a note pad and my Basal thermometer (You need a Basal thermometer which calculates to the 1/100 degree) beside my bed.  

Before ovulation, in general your temperature is below the cover line. Once you ovulate, your temperature will be above your cover line. For a confirmed pregnancy, your temperature should stay high for 18 days. You can test for a pregnancy around 14 days past ovulations (dpo); however, you may not receive a positive result. As long as your temperature stays high, you should still have hope. If your temperature is high and you have spotting around days 7 to 10 dpo, it is probably from an egg implant. These guidelines are for a typical cycle; however, other factors may influence a different outcome. If you have any questions, always consult your doctor.

When I ovulate, I will start back on Prometrium, which will make my temperature high. Since I am on Prometrium, I will probably not see a drop in my temperature, if I am not pregnant. Once my cycle starts, I will stop the Prometrium and my temperature will go back down.

I take a print out of my chart with me to every appointment and my doctor find it very useful. Sometimes you cannot see the forest for the trees. Dr. Rister and I talked about seeing the whole chart vs reviewing it in pieces. You may not be able to see what happened during your current cycle until you see a completed chart. My chart has assisted Dr. Rister in diagnosing what my body is doing, along with blood test and ultrasounds.

Back to the cover line. How to you create a cover line? I use a software from Take Charge of Your Fertility (www.tcoyf.com); however, another good site is Fertility Friend (www.fertilityfriend.com). Both website use similar software to assist you in charting your cycle. To create the cover line without using the software: Once you have a rise in temperature (usually .4 degrees or more), review your last six temperature, and draw the line one-tenth of a degree above the highest temperature. Now you have a cover line; however, if you use software for charting, it will draw it for you.

Psalms 113:9 – He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

Waiting

This morning I tested with my ClearBlue Easy Fertility monitor and it register as a high day. The high day is good, because it means we are getting closer to a Peak Day (ovulation). I am hoping the Peak Day comes before Friday, because I do not want an HCG shot. My temperature dropped this morning, which is a good sign. Usually your temperature will drop right before ovulation. My temperature will usually drop a day or two before ovulation.

Back to What you Should Eat and Not Eat

I did forget an item on what not to eat or drink, caffeine. I do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine, this is not a problem for me; however, I do know it is a problem for most women. Caffeine is not easy to give and it can cause problems quitting cold turkey too. If you are wanting to wing yourself off of caffeine, speak with your doctor. The following is from the American Pregnancy Association (http://www.americanpregnancy.org).

“Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it increases your blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy. Caffeine also increases the frequency of urination. This causes reduction in your body fluid levels and can lead to dehydration.

Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby. Although you may be able to handle the amounts of caffeine you feed your body, your baby cannot. Your baby's metabolism is still maturing and cannot fully metabolize the caffeine. Any amount of caffeine can also cause changes in your baby's sleep pattern or normal movement pattern in the later stages of pregnancy. Remember, caffeine is a stimulant and can keep both you and your baby awake.

Caffeine is found in more than just coffee. Caffeine is not only found in coffee but also in tea, soda, chocolate, and even some over-the-counter medications that relieve headaches. Be aware of what you consume.

How much caffeine is in your favorite drinks & snacks?

·         Starbucks Grande Coffee (16 oz) 400 mg

·         Starbucks House Blend Coffee (16 oz) 259 mg

·         Dr. Pepper (12 oz) 37 mg

·         7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke (32 oz) 124 mg

·         Ben & Jerry's Coffee Buzz Ice Cream (8 oz) 72 mg

·         Baker's chocolate (1 oz) 26 mg

·         Green tea (6 oz) 40 mg

·         Black tea (6 oz) 45 mg

·         Excedrin (per capsule) 65mg

Some studies have shown a link between high levels of caffeine consumption and delayed conception. Experts have stated that moderate levels of caffeine have not been found to have a negative effect on pregnancy. The definition of moderate varies anywhere from 150 mg - 300 mg a day.”

12th Day Appointment

I went to my 12^th day appointment and everything is great and  I really like my doctor.  Dr. Rister is very comforting and positive.  Everything time I speak with Dr. Rister I feel better.  Dr. Rister and I did discuss how long I should stay on Prometrium if I become pregnant (I wondering this for a while and should have asked sooner). Dr. Rister said I need to stay on Prometrium for at least 10 weeks if we become pregnant. I received a three month prescription of Prometrium today, so I am set.been

Right now we are in another waiting period. Dr. Rister said if I do not have a Peak Day (meaning I did not ovulate) with my fertility monitor by Friday morning, I need to come back. If I do not ovulate, they will do another ultrasound to determine if I need a HCG shot or if we need to wait a few more days. I praying I ovulate because those HCG shots hurt.

I heard a lot about praying together this past week  I feel like God is leading Mark and I to pray together about our situation. We have prayed separately or next to each other; however, we have not actually prayed together. I am also reminded of the following passages.

Matthew18:19-20    ¹⁹ “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

We are going to start praying this pray every day.

Here in this tranquil moment in communion with you dear God, we renew our faith, empty our mind from negativity and free ourselves of all concerns; as we turn our thoughts to your presence we feel safe and calm.

As we pray to be blessed with children:

We thank you dear God for all the blessings you have provided us and for the eternal love that comes every day from your presence in our lives.

As we pray to be blessed with children:

We embrace your healing light to restore our bodies, mind and soul from all that is keeping us from conceiving children so we can welcome the joy of parenthood into our lives.

As we pray to be blessed with children:

We strive to gain strength, patience and the ability to face the difficulties of infertility with high spirits, confidence and serenity knowing that your love and infinite wisdom are guiding our feet to the right path leading us to the children we have been awaiting for so long.

We open ourselves to your love dear God, and we humbly ask you, the creator of life, to grant us the precious gift that we so longingly seek: the ability to bring children to the love of our families, children whom we  will raise to know your name and your infinite love.

As we pray to be blessed with children:

We ask for the energy and the vitality to take us through the challenges and rewards of pregnancy and to carry our children to term and to be blessed with a safe delivery.

©2004 Written by: DayByDay

http://www.praying4ababy.com/prayer.html

Day Five of Clomid

Last night was a rough night.  I was in major pain, my right ovary was killing me.  My wonderful friend, who is a nurse, recommended that I place a heating pad on my ovary.  The heating pad help; however, today I am still in some pain. I am hoping after today the pain will go away. I also notice I am really hungry. I want to eat everything in sight and I feel like I have PMS. I hope all of this goes away soon. My temperature is still low.

Day Four of Clomid

Yesterday and today are much better than Day 1 and Day 2, no side effects.  I am ready for Monday, which is my first observation ultrasound. I am hoping for more follicle development, than the last time I was on Clomid. Last time I only one follicle developed.

Healthy Eating

Most of you may wonder what are refined starches, and why am I avoiding them during preconception and pregnancy. I read refined starches can deplete valuable nutrients in your body, move rapidly into your blood stream (cause for blood sugar surges), and they are empty calories (do not benefit the body). Refined starches leave you hungry and wanting more food. For these reasons, I choose not to eat these foods because I want the best nutrient for my baby and myself.

Refined starches are grains with removed fiber, hull, and bran. Refined foods are cereals (with no fiber); and, white: flour, bread, pasta, and rice.

It is not easy to break the habit of eating these foods, especially when someone brings donuts, pizza, or other yummy foods to the office. Yes, I do occasional slip, this week is a prime example. The weather outside is awful, and our office ordered pizza. I decided I rather eat the pizza, than go back into the cold weather. I allow myself to occasional eat these types of foods, and I consider how well I ate the rest of the week. For me, the best way to stay on track with eating healthy is to allow the slip up, and start eating healthy again at my next meal. I do not guilt myself, because we all slip up occasionally when trying to break a bad habit.

Day Three of Clomid

I feel pretty good today, so far no headaches or feeling nauseas.  Last night I was moody and did feel nauseas when I was cooking.  My temperature is still low today and everything is on schedule.

Today I am going to start on the topic of things I should eat and not eat. I am going to start with the Should Not Eat, since that is more important. While I am not pregnant yet, I am practicing my healthy eating habits now, and hopefully it will be easier when I am pregnant. I have good days and bad days when it comes to eating healthy. This is why I am practicing. I notice I feel better when I eat just fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy. A good book for knowing what to eat throughout your pregnancy is I’m Pregnant, Now What Do I Eat by Hope Ricciotti and Vincent Connelly.

I just learned recently discovered that when you are pregnant, the baby received most of its nutrition through carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are feed to the baby through the blood stream. It is very important to eat the right kinds of carbohydrates. I will discuss this subject in more detail in my later post. On the list of what not to eat, you will see the bad carbohydrates that should not be eaten. The reason these foods should not be eaten is because the sugar transfer rapidly into the blood system and can cause large birth weight, obesity, diabetes, and other diseases later on in life.  Remember before starting any diet; always speak with your OBGYN to ensure it is right for you. For this reason, I am writing about myself, and what I am eating and not eating.

Foods to Avoid: If you know of any other foods, please feel free to add them in the comment section.

Transfats, Margarine, Processed Baked Goods, Refined Starches, Processed Food, Fast Food, white rice, white bread, sweets (consuming chocolate with 70% or more cocoa in limited amounts is good for you), soda, lunch meats, hot dogs, prepared deli food, soft cheese, raw seafood, smoked, seafood, high fructose corn syrup (yes, based on this commercial it is the same as sugar, expect it does transfer into your blood quicker), and fish with mercury

Fish with Mercury:

Canned, chunk light tuna has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna; however, eat in moderation only. I heard researchers are still investigating whether or not canned tuna is safe. I am going to avoid tune, unless they have clear evidence.

Highest Mercury  -  Avoid Eating

Grouper, Marlin, Orange Roughy, Tilefish, Swordfish, Shark, Mackerel (king)

High Mercury - Eat no more than three 6-oz servings per month

Bass saltwater, Croaker, Halibut, Tuna (canned, white albacore), Tuna (fresh bluefin, ahi), Sea trout, Bluefish, Lobster (American/Maine)

LOWER MERCURY -  Eat no more than six 6-oz servings per month

Carp, Mahi Mahi, Crab (dungeness), Snapper, Crab (blue), Herring, Crab (snow), Monkfish, Perch (freshwater), Skate, Cod, Tuna (canned), Tuna (fresh Pacific albacore)

LOWEST MERCURY - Enjoy two 6-oz servings per week

Anchovies, Butterfish, Calamari (squid), Caviar (farmed), Crab (king), Pollock, Catfish, Whitefish, Perch (ocean), Scallops, Flounder, Haddock, Hake, Herring, Lobster (spiny/rock), Sole, Crawfish/crayfish, Salmon, Shrimp, Clams, Tilapia, Oysters, Sardines, Sturgeon (farmed), Trout (freshwater)
Chart obtained from the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC); data obtained by the FDA and the EPA.

Vitamins and Other Items

Later on in my post, I am going to discuss my views on healthy eating and nutrient during preconception and prenatal care. I feel it is very important to take care of yourself and your baby. My first initiative in being healthy was to find a all natural vitamin and omega 3 with the appropriate amount of nutrient. During my research, I came across Promise Stage vitamins. What impressed me about these vitamins is that they are formulated in stages (stage 1 - preconception and 1st trimester, stage 2 - 2nd and 3rd trimester, and stage 3 - after pregnancy and breastfeeding) and they are not a one size fits all vitamins. Other wonderful things about the vitamins are they are in capsules form, you only take them once a day, and the cost is very reasonable.

Also during preconception, buying pregnancy test, OPK, and other necessary items are expensive. I use a website called Early Pregnancy Testing. I bought my Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor on this website. They are very reasonable in pricing.

If you know of any other websites or products that are useful, please feel free to post the information. I am interested in any products or information others are willing to pass along.

Please see the following links for more information

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http://www.promiseprenatal.com/

http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/

Day 2 of Clomid

Well I did not think the Clomid was affecting me until Mark said something last night.  He asked me why I was so gripey.  I told Mark “What do you think?”  I then realize I was feeling irritated last night.  I try my best not to take it out on Mark, but something I do not realize I am feeling this way.  I also notice while grocery shopping I was feeling nauseas last night and this morning I have a headache. Currently I have 3 of the 14 side effects of Clomid, which is not bad.  My next appointment with Dr. Rister is Monday, February 7, 2011; this is my 12th day observation appointment.  Monitoring on Clomid is very important in checking for ovarian hyperstimulation, which can be life threatening.

If you are trying to conceive, I highly recommend the book Take Charge of Your Fertility, by Toni Weschler, MPH. From this book I learned the importance of taking your temperature. I will explain more about taking your temperature over the next few weeks. Right now my temperature is low, which means I am preovulation. Once I have a temperature shift, it will mean that I have ovulated. I also use Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor to determine high and peak days for becoming pregnant. Both taking your temperature and the fertility monitor are very important before pre-ovulations. I will talk more about these subjects over the next three weeks.

Here is the link to Take Charge of Your Fertility website.

http://www.tcoyf.com

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." -- Dale Carnegie